Mayor Turner gives daily briefing, encourages social distancing during Memorial Day weekend

HOUSTON – Mayor Sylvester Turner encouraged residents to continue social distancing during Memorial Day weekend during his daily coronavirus briefing Thursday.

Turner was joined by Chief COVID-19 Recovery Czar Marvin Odum and family members of a Houston man who died of COVID-19 recently. He was also joined by the Chief Nurse from Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, who works with health professionals on the frontlines to treat those who are sick with the virus.

Here are the highlights of Turner’s Thursday press conference:

• 4 new deaths reported as of Thursday — a white man in his 90s and three white men in their 70s. All patients had underlying health conditions.
• 141 new coronavirus cases reported in the city
• The wife of retired Houston firefighter Tony Pierce, who died for COVID-19, spoke at the presser. She warned residents on how coronavirus is real and people need to be more cautious.
• Turner addressed Memorial Day weekend and reminded residents to do their part in saving lives by following social distancing guidelines and wearing a mask while in public.
• Chief COVID-19 Recovery Czar Marvin Odum reminded residents to also take advantage of the free COVID-19 testing centers across the Houston area.
• Turner announced that all city pools and splash pads will be kept closed over Memorial Day weekend as social distancing is difficult to enforce in pools.
• On June 1, officials said all city-owned and operated golf courses and three large tennis complexes will open with some restrictions. More information can be found on the Houston Parks and Recreational Department website.
• Turner said he’s adopted the governor’s order and will also extend the stay at home order like Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo

Watch the full presser below: